LAS VEGAS -- Experts have said each day thousands of students across the country skip school for fear of being bullied. The effects can last a lifetime. Two websites started by Las Vegas locals are shining a light on bullying.

One site was created by Ellie Smith, who visited 60 schools throughout the valley to spread her message to more than 30,000 students about bullying.

"It starts young, and bullying never really ends," Smith said. "I went through so much on a daily basis. I would walk into the classroom when people would just start laughing at me, and I would get into the car after school and start crying."

Smith said the taunting and bullying were a nightmare. It started when she was in the fourth grade.

The negative experiences motivated Smith to use her talents as a singer and create the website elliesmith.com to act as a resource for bullying victims.

"You have to start with talking to them about social bullying, self esteem and being confident in yourself, so that when you get older, they can have that happiness inside so they won't be bullied," Smith said.

Makers of the adult site Cheaterville.com, which exposes people accused of cheating on their significant others, have launched Bullyville.com. The site allows people to post what their bullies have done or said online for the entire world to see.

Experts say the bullying problem touches every segment of society. Even celebrities use the site to speak out.

Smith said the solution is to raise awareness and change behaviors by teaching self confidence for both the bully and the victim.

Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Barlow, meanwhile, is holding a teen town hall meeting Wednesday to discuss bullying and other issues. The town hall takes place at 10 a.m. in the Las Vegas City Hall Council Chambers. More than 400 high school students are expected to participate.